I did–for a brief moment–think of taking pictures of a lot of very worn out things, but then thought better of it. Maybe it’s my father’s thriftiness, maybe it’s DIY stubbornness, maybe it’s sentimentality (I wore that belt on 5+ years of archaeology digs!), but I have a hard time just letting things go. So, here are some of my favorite ways to wear things down, reuse, and recycle!
1.) It becomes part of the comfy-AT-HOME-ONLY rotation. Since things rarely really break down at once, I have a pretty good collection of clothes that I won’t wear outside the house, but have become perfectly acceptable for working out in, lounging about, and throwing on to do the dishes so I don’t get anything on my good clothes. Double longevity!
2.) Cleaning Cloths! The ultimate re-use cliche, but whatever, it works! Some for buffing, shining, dusting–old shirts are perfect!
3.) They get re-sized, and re-sewn. I’ve never yet turned clothes-into-some-other-form-of-clothes, but I have been able to cut and use scraps for patches, home decor items, and other crafty projects. Fabric is fabric, and especially if it’s a large swath or funky pattern, cutting it up can be a great way to save memories and add some homemade charm to your home!
Some quick-and-easy retools:
A Bandanna
A work-out towel
A pillow
Bibs
Doll clothes
Headband cover
Uber-Cool Gift Wrap!
Small bag (The T-Shirt Tote!)
Jewelry Roll
Potholders (Check the fabric!)
Draft Stoppers
Padded Hanger Covers
Art projects
Cover frames or books
Make a hacky-sack!
In the same vein, Martha Stewart has an awesome list of earth-friendly ways to use extra buttons, glass bottles, belt buckles, and all sorts of odds and ends in a manner that seems actually pretty do-able.
And that’s what Works For Me!
I’ve got a pile of clothing right now that needs to be reused, those are great ideas…
Oh our large family has become pros at this